Pineville’s picturesque Lake Buhlow was the scene of intense nautical competition as 22 teams from area businesses, hospitals and churches spent Saturday, May 6 vying for bragging rights at the 11th Annual Dragon Boat races sponsored by the Alexandria Museum of Art. This popular event, held in conjunction with Riverfete, has rapidly become an area-wide favorite, growing each year. Dragon Boat Races are a competition in which teams of paddlers, often in themed costumes, race their boats to the beat of a drummer. Each boat has a dragon head at the prow. On the morning of the race, each team paints the eyes of their boat’s dragon in order to awaken it.
The Dragon Boat Races are a true community effort. Over 30 volunteers joined the museum’s staff and a group of hard working Louisiana Army Guard Youth Challenge Program Cadets in performing the myriad of tasks necessary to make the event run successfully.
While the Dragon Boat Races are terrific fun, the event has a serious purpose. It is a major fundraiser for the Alexandria Museum of Art. This year’s race is expected to bring in $70,000.00 to help fund the museum’s operations. The Alexandria Museum of Art is an integral part of Cenla’s cultural scene and one of the many things that make our city special.
The Rapides Parish Journal is donating its event photography. You can view the photos by clicking the “Kevin’s Gallery” link. If you do see a photograph you like, feel free to download it. We do ask that you consider a donation to the Alexandria Museum of Art in lieu of payment.
